What Happens When I Get My First DUI/DWI?

DWI Lawyer Salt Lake City, UT

Your team won the big game. It was quite the celebration. And there was alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol. You didn’t even realize how many drinks you had consumed. You thought you were sober enough to drive home. You were wrong. For whatever reason you were pulled over,  submitted to a sobriety test and subsequently arrested and charged with driving under the influence. A DUI/DWI charge is always serious business, even your first offense. Even your first conviction can bring a loss of your license, elevated insurance costs, and even your freedom.

Can you argue the charges? Will you get a reduced sentence because it’s your first offense? Will you automatically lose your license and if so, for how long?

The first time you are charged can be a devastating experience and you will likely have a lot of questions. An experienced DWI lawyer in Salt Lake City UT can answer your questions and help you through the maze of court appearances and the explain the possible consequences you may face as a result of your conviction. Here are some of the consequences you may experience with a short explanation of each.

Will I have to spend time in Jail?

This will depend on the laws in your state. You may be sentenced to up to a year in jail, but will end up serving way less time than that. If your blood alcohol content was low and your record is otherwise spotless, the judge may let you serve your jail time doing community service. The negative to that is you may have to be off work to perform the service or do the hours on the weekends.

If while you were driving intoxicated you injured or even killed someone else, you can be charged with a felony DUI/DWI, as Salt Lake DWI lawyer can explain. Even if this is your first offense, you may be looking at spending time in prison.

Will I lose my driver’s license?

One of the biggest losses of freedom occurs when you lose the right to drive. Even for your first offense, you will likely lose your license and, depending on your state laws, it could be 90 days or longer.

In most cases, the state will allow you to keep your license on a restricted basis, allowing for transportation to and from work, school, and any alcohol treatment programs that the court mandates. In many states, if you are convicted of a DUI/DWI offense, you could lose your license for up to six months.

How much will I have to pay in fines and court fees?

Being charged and convicted of DUI/DWI can be very costly. Not only the court fees, attorney fees, the fee for reinstating your license, but the fines can be up to $2000 or more. In addition, your car insurance rates will increase, sometimes significantly. Some insurance companies will even cancel your policy if they feel you are a high risk driver.

In order for you to be able to get your driver’s license back, many states require you to take an alcohol education program.

If you find yourself dealing with a DUI/DWI charge, contact an experienced DWI lawyer Salt Lake City UT trusts from Rasmussen & Miner to help you answer these questions.